OK Guys,

I have gotten a little discouraged. As you may know, I have been working on a '76 Highboy installing a '79 steering gear and draglink. I have gotten the puzzle put together, or so I thought. After filling the '76 pump with fluid, I turned the motor over with the coil wire unhooked until I started getting return from the return line. I installed the return line on the pump and cranked the truck. I worked the steering wheel back and forth until I was confident that I had bled the system. The pump worked good for about 15min. Then the pump started getting hot and everytime I turned the steering wheel, the pump would burp out fluid. I checked the fluid level, and it was ok. I turned the steering wheel to full lock in both directions a couple more times, and every time it would burp out fluid. I checked the fluid again, and obviously it was low. I put more fluid in it, and when I cranked the truck I had no power steering. I have not had power steering since. I'm using NAPA power steering fluid with a '76 power steering pump on a '79 4-bolt steering gear. Is it possible that I have the hoses hooked up backwards and the check valve finally shut? Do I need to be using Mercon ATF? Anything ya'll can do for me is greatly appreciated. This is supposed to be a daily driver.

 

I would check to make sure its not hooked up backwards. Fluid wont make much diff.

 

Sounds like the pump went bad. I don't see how you could get the hoses mixed up, the fittings are different sizes.

 

He is matching different year pump to box. I was just guessing maybe he had to do a little adapting. Just a stab in the dark.

 

Snookerfist,it usually takes at least an hour of bleeding the air out of the steering box as they have many turns internally that hold air.Also in a new install the oil becomes areated and will make the box act as if it is a manual unit.I have had the same problem in all three conversions I have done and each time I have let the system sit overnight so the air bubbles have a chance to combine to large pockets.This has worked every time and in each case I have had no further problems and all have worked perfectly after the overnight wait.Then all I did was fill the oil to the correct volume.Hope this helps.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"

 

Thanks Nod. You know I did just that, and everything is working good. I can't believe the difference it makes in the driveability of the truck. Now I have to get started on the engine. I got a dead miss on number five of my 390. Can't wait to get started.